What are the three ingredients for peanut butter cookies?

The classic recipe for three ingredient peanut butter cookies uses only: Peanut butter Sugar Egg That’s it. No flour, no butter, no baking powder—just these three pantry staples. Combined, they create a chewy, rich, and satisfying cookie that’s naturally gluten-free and incredibly easy to make. Most bakers have these ingredients on hand, which is why this recipe is a go-to for last-minute baking.

Why are my 3 ingredient peanut butter cookies falling apart?

If your three ingredient peanut butter cookies are falling apart, there are a few common causes: Overbaking : These cookies bake quickly. Leaving them in too long dries them out and makes them crumbly. Not letting them cool : Let the cookies rest on the baking tray for 5–7 minutes before moving them. They firm up as they cool. Natural peanut butter : Some brands with oil separation can make the dough unstable. Stick to creamy, no-stir peanut butter for best results. Low sugar : Reducing sugar too much weakens the cookie’s structure. Following the exact ratios in the original recipe for three ingredient peanut butter cookies helps ensure your cookies hold together beautifully.

What are the basic ingredients for peanut butter cookies?

Traditionally, peanut butter cookie recipes use flour, butter, sugar, eggs , and baking soda . However, the basic ingredients in the simplified three ingredient peanut butter cookies recipe strip things down to: Peanut butter (as fat and flavor) Sugar (for sweetness and binding) Egg (to hold everything together) This version keeps it minimal without sacrificing taste, making it ideal for beginner bakers and those with dietary restrictions.

How to make butter cookies with three ingredients?

A standard 3-ingredient butter cookie recipe includes: Butter Flour Sugar Mix softened butter with sugar until creamy, then add flour to form a dough. Scoop, shape, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes. While they’re not part of the recipe for three ingredient peanut butter cookies , butter cookies are also a minimalist dessert option. However, they typically require more precision and aren’t gluten-free by default.

Recipe for Three Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies – The Best Quick Treat with Only 3 Ingredients -2025

Name: Recipe for Three Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies – The Best Quick Treat with Only 3 Ingredients
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: PT-486024H33M49S
Total time: PT-486024H33M49S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy); 1 cup sugar (white or brown); 1 large egg

Description

This recipe for three ingredient peanut butter cookies is the ultimate quick-fix dessert—perfectly chewy, naturally gluten-free, and made in just 15 minutes with ingredients you already have in your kitchen. With no flour, no butter, and no chill time required, it’s a beginner-friendly favorite that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or curbing a late-night craving, these cookies are your go-to for simplicity, speed, and peanut buttery goodness.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
1 cup sugar (white or brown)
1 large egg

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
In a medium bowl, mix together peanut butter, sugar, and egg until smooth and fully combined.
Use a spoon or cookie scoop to form dough balls (about 1 tablespoon each).
Place on baking sheet. Flatten each with a fork to create a criss-cross pattern.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are lightly golden.
Let cool on the tray for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Enjoy warm or store in an airtight container for up to 5 days!

Notes

💡 Chef’s Tips

For extra chewiness, use brown sugar.
Want texture? Try crunchy peanut butter or add chopped nuts.
Sprinkle a little sea salt on top before baking for a gourmet touch.
Cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw or bake from frozen.

📊 Nutrition (Per Cookie Estimate)

Calories: 165
Fat: 10g
Carbs: 16g
Protein: 5g
Sugar: 14g

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on brands and substitutions.

🔁 Dietary Info

✅ Gluten-Free
✅ Dairy-Free
✅ Flourless
🥜 Contains peanuts
❌ Not vegan (contains egg — but can substitute with flax egg)

📦 Storage

Room temp: Up to 5 days in airtight container
Fridge: Optional for extended freshness
Freezer: Store baked or unbaked dough up to 3 months

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
Category: Dessert / Snack
Cuisine: American

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